Lucy Mary

I would say that there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. That fine line is called humility. However, the two words should not be confused with.



I'm one of those people who doesn't really share their achievements very much as I'm wary of coming across as arrogant and blowing my own trumpet. I'm all for celebrating everybody else's success bar my own, which is not on.

Is there a stigma attached the words 'pelvic floor'? Even though we all have a pelvic floor, for some people, it can be a source of embarrassment.



As somebody who has had pelvic floor issues in the past because of my illness, I should know. I think a lot of people relate pelvic floor problems with the elderly. However, that isn't the case. It can be an awkward issue for younger people also. From pregnant women to people like myself who cough on a daily basis, it can be humiliating, especially when you're out in public and have an 'oops' moment because you necked your Diet Coke too quickly in the previous pub.



Like I said, I've had pelvic floor issues since I was a late teenager. Years of coughing up phlegm until I'm red in the face has had a profound effect on me downstairs. And not in a good way. Thankfully, I don't have too bad a problem at the moment as I do my Kegel AKA pelvic floor exercises.


The physiotherapists down at the hospital always ask me if I do my exercises. Hmm...sometimes a little white lie has to be told. I do them often, but not as much as I should. I just forget. It's like invisible exercising in a way. You can feel it happening, but you can't actually see it happening.


So, wondering what this all means? Here are some commonly asked questions and the answers:



Sit down on a chair. Sofa. Edge of the bed. Whatever floats your boat. After finding somewhere comfortable to sit, squeeze the muscles 10 to 15 times. Like I said a couple of paragraphs ago, imagine you're trying to stop yourself from going for a wee. You'll probably feel the muscles better when thinking like that. Hold the squeeze for about 1-2 seconds. You can try and add more squeezes as you do them more often. But please don't overdo it; that can do more harm than good. The good thing about Kegel exercises is that you can do them anywhere; who the hell is going to know that you're doing them? Well, unless you randomly just tell the person you're sitting next to on the bus. That wouldn't be a good idea. 
If you keep persevering with them and actively do them, it works. Take it from me, I do them a couple of times a week, and I have noticed a difference.









One thing I have tried is the KegelSmart from Intimina. The device is aimed at improving and toning the strength of your pelvic floor. To use it, you insert it into your vagina, like you would a menstrual cup, and you will then feel a series of three vibrations, which means the exercise routine will begin. The KegelSmart also automatically sets the exercise level to suit you. You would only need to use it five minutes a day.



I've used this device a few times now, and I've already noticed an improvement. I use it for five minutes about 2/3 days a week. I don't use it every time I do Kegel exercises, but it's great to kind of mix things up a bit, for want of a better word. I'd definitely recommend buying one if you were having trouble with your pelvic floor.





*The KegelSmart was gifted to me in exchange for this post. All pelvic floor views are my own. For more information, please read my disclaimer.